22 September, 2009

I'm off to the Interbike show in Las Vegas today. Not my favorite city, but it should be a good show this year judging by the number of manufacturers coming from Japan and Taiwan. The global economic downturn may be pushing manufacturers to make an extra effort to attend this year. I had planned on visiting Taiwan next month, but so many of the folks I wanted to meet with will be at Interbike that I may reconsider.

After the show I'll be in Breckenridge for a four days, but the staff here will keep VO running smoothly.

As I ask every year, what new products do you think should I look for at the show?

45 comments:

I'm sure there will be better possible products suggested than mine, but here goes. The interest in commuting is rising and my main desire is a bomb proof, decent, year round commuter with enclosed chainguard, maintenance free hubs, chain, waterproof carrier,.. you get the picture. Heavy rain, snow, ice and the following salt and sand take a toll on my bicycle.

Indexed downtube shifters are harder and harder to come by, especially in 8 and 9 speed. The Dia Compe shifters are quite elegant, but for commuting and city riding, indexed shifting is just less error-prone.

How about a no-setback version of the Grand Cru seatpost? I've not tried it, but based on my riding position, I'm going to assume that the "long-setback" version won't work for me, unless I jack the saddle all the way forward.

Not everyone who shops at VO or wants a hi-polish silver seatpost rides a Brooks saddle.

I don't know if the decision has been made to not carry clothing, but I would love to see some Rapha-eque classy cyclewear at reasonable prices. Specifically 70s/80s style shorts which are neither skintight nor baggy, and some vintage style non-clipless cycling shoes.

I don't like to admit it, but I can't take a setback seatpost anymore either . . . I have a bad knee, and the patella and ligaments actually scream in pain with too much setback. I am using posts with very mild setback, like 25 mm or so, which works fine with the knee.

Ooh...is there such a thing as a tasteful and non-turbo helmet? That'd be swell! Also, a reasonably light alloy city-style (short extension and short quill length w/rise) quilled stem as an alternative to the less classic looking dirt drop/periscopa!

Have a look at the Bell Citi. I just picked one up and am generally quite pleased with it. Protective, doesn't make me look like I'm entering a race, has a spot for a flasher light on the back, removable visor, not excessive ventillation (important if you ride when it's cool out) and innexpensive.

That said, I would still jump to buy a helmet that looks good with a tweed jacket, if such a thing were to ever exist.

Looks like the Sturmey Archer 3 speed fixed hub is about ready. It was featured on a number of classy bikes a@ interbike like the new Pashley Clubman. This would be an awesome match for the VO PBP rims built up as a complete wheel... just food for thought! http://sunrace-sturmeyarcher.blogspot.com/2008/09/s3x-fixed-gear-3-speed.html

A decent custom cassette option for campy folks is the BYO (build your own, that is!) Miche 8,9, or 10spd (11-28) campy compatible cassette (they make shimano comp. cogs too). xxcycle is the only place I've found that lets you choose your own cogs though.

I wish someone made a 6 or 7-speed cassette hub. I know you can still buy 6 or 7-speed freewheel hubs, but all else being equal, cassette hubs are better. Six or 7 speeds are all most people need, and would allow for a more symmetrical -- that is, stronger -- rear wheel.

I know VO has not been interested in clothing, but one thing might be filling a niche that is sorely needed (by me)-- wool shorts. The labor in Taiwan is no longer cheap, but I believe one can still find excellent small busineses that can make these merino wool cycling shorts. It would be so much better than lycra and one can make them slightly looser fitting. tadd

People to make a whole range of chain ring sizes for the cyclotouriste crankset. There ought to be a more 44T outers around, that's a cog for serious mileage, not round the corner to Bob's place or down the road to Happy Jim's overnighter. There doesn't seem to be any shortage of the crankarms.

Ok. Something of utmost importance now. Colored Paselas. Did you happen to see the colored Paselas? Know what colors they'll be offered? Date of accessibility on the black walled Pasela? My vanity must know!

I know you can use a 7-speed cassette on a modern hub, but the more symmetrical -- that is, stronger -- wheel is the point, not the number of sprockets, and using a spacer doesn't affect that. Really, 5 or 6 speeds would be ideal. A ten speed cassette is ridiculous for anyone except a racer.